CMD Foundation – Military Department Support Fund (MDSF) Grants
Mission
The CMD Foundation is an auxiliary program under the J9 Joint Resiliency directorate supporting the California Military Department (CMD). It operates through the Military Department Support Fund to provide grants to all members of the CMD community. This includes service members from the Army and Air components, California State Guard (CSG) personnel, federal and state civilian employees, and participants in Youth and Community Programs.
The Foundation’s grants promote esprit de corps through Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) initiatives, and also offer financial assistance through Military Family Relief—applications for which are facilitated by Family Programs. To broaden its impact, the Foundation partners with other non-profit organizations and key stakeholders such as CalEANGUS and various CMD departments.
As a 100% donation-based entity, the CMD Foundation relies on continuous fundraising and outreach efforts to sustain its mission of supporting the entire CMD community.
Scope
Military Department Support Fund Grants are provided per CMVC 412.5 and are intended to increase morale by providing grants to activities such as MWR events, YCPTF related, Family Programs related, and other requests that work to improve the welfare of CMD members. Applications for MWR grants can be submitted below per the outlined guidelines.
MDSF Grant Application Process
Grants can be submitted on a rolling basis during the current state fiscal year from July 1, 2025- June 30, 2026.
Must be submitted at least 8 weeks prior to event or time grant is needed to allow proper review and processing.
Can submit multiple times, but please keep in mind each submission will be taken into account for approval of all sequential requests.
Grants are available on a first-come, first-serve basis until all funds are exhausted, or we can no longer accept applications.
Eligibility Requirements for Requestor
- Must be a member/unit/dept. of CMD (NG Army or Air, CSG, State/Fed Civilian, Cadet)
- Must be a California resident
- Must use for grant for one the following:
- MWR
- Military Family Relief (facilitated through Family Programs NOT this page)
- CANNOT be used for Operational or Training related costs
Grant Amount
Is approved on a case-by-case basis. Below are examples of caps per type of request.
- Unit level MWR (50-100 people) – $1-1,500
- BN level MWR (300 people) – $2500
- BDE/DIV/HQ level – $3-5,000
- Submit request by completing form here: Military Department Support Fund (MDSF) Grant Request Form
- Please fill out entirely and submit any attachments (quotes, or other supporting documents) to mdsf@cmd.ca.gov as directed on form.
- Allow 2-3 business days before inquiring about request at mdsf@cmd.ca.gov.
Please make note of the following requirements for approved grants. Please be aware that the recipient of the grant will need to be in compliance to receive grant check. All questions can be directed to the MDSF inbox: mdsf@cmd.ca.gov
Requirements for grant payment:
- Must be a California resident (individual or vendor)
- Must be able to accept a check
- W9 and STD 204 tax forms required (grant check considered taxable income)